January: Normal Academic Calendar Resumes.
January 8, 2024, marks the return to the standard academic calendar after a three-year disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic, which began in March 2020, led to the closure of schools for over six months as a precaution against the spread of the virus.
Expressing his enthusiasm during the release of the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) results in Nairobi, Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Kipsang highlighted the conclusion of the crash program implemented to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on education. Grateful for teachers’ dedication to continued learning during challenging times, Dr. Kipsang acknowledged the exceptional efforts that allowed schools to operate even with the disruptions.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s announcement of the closure of all learning institutions in March 2020 prompted the formation of an Education Taskforce Committee on COVID-19 by the late Prof George Magoha, then the Education Cabinet Secretary. This committee devised a new learning calendar that compressed the school timetable, leading to the implementation of a modified schedule.
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The disruption resulted in double national examinations in some years, with a compressed 2021 academic calendar running from May to December and only a one-week break from December 24 to January 4, 2022. The Ministry of Education aimed to return to the traditional January to December calendar in 2023.
In contrast to the usual calendar, the modified schedule during the pandemic had learners attending classes with social distancing measures, mask-wearing, handwashing, and extended class hours. The absence of regular breaks and inter-school sports competitions economically impacted learners and parents.
It is important to note that this return to a standardized academic calendar aims to restore the traditional flow of three-month terms with breaks, providing a more familiar and sustainable structure for students and educators.
January: Normal Academic Calendar Resumes.